"It is about setting up the next generation of heroes and villains, but the fact that half a dozen cast members from the originals can be there to place it in some sort of context, to be there for the historical side of things, I think it’s wonderful," he told Famous Monsters of Filmland. Young people can see the progression of the characters. I'm old enough to be Luke’s grandfather now, and that’s a healthy, natural thing for people to see."

OK, while this isn't giving much away in terms of the fate of a now aged Skywalker, he does offer something to be (even more) excited about. His reference of Luke being of granddad age has got us all thinking who his offspring could be, and whether the new characters we see are in fact his grandkids. It's hard to imagine the once agile defender of the galaxy has grandchildren and is now in the same position Alec Guinness' Obi-Wan was in at the start of A New Hope.

With Hamill's role still shrouded in mystery - is he still a Jedi? Has he turned to the Darkside? Is he even still alive? - he can't help but tease us, after claiming the new movie, in contrast to the original trilogy, will be "every bit as exciting for the audience, [but] it’s not going to be like it was then, when we’re rattling around in the Death Star, and exchanging quips, and jockeying for the affections of the princess. It’s going to be age appropriate. The story has moved on, and our purpose in the story is different than it was then."

Directed by JJ Abrams and starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Andy Serkis, Oscar Isaac and Gwendoline Christie, Star Wars: The Force Awakens is in UK cinemas from December 17, and released in the US on December 18.